Cannington pub The Friendly Spirit re-opens after devastating floods (From This is The West Country)

Cannington pub The Friendly Spirit re-opens after devastating floods

7:10am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Somerset

A PUB landlord has praised the friendly spirit of neighbours who helped him get back on his feet after devastating winter floods.

The Mercury reported how Cannington was one of the areas of Somerset worst affected by flooding a month ago.

Mike and Linda Andison, who run The Friendly Spirit in Brook Street, were left helpless as around six inches of flood water filled their bar, but now the pub is back up and running.

Mike said: “The floods caused a lot of damage – around £34,000 worth – but we’re open again now.

“I’d like to thank district councillor Ian Dyer, who did a fantastic job, and Colin Allen, chairman of the parish council.

“They have all got to grips with the problems we have in Cannington.

“I’d also like to thank farmer Dave Sayer, who’s based next to us in Cannington.

“He brought round eight big bales of straw which we used to try to stop the water getting in.

“It was marvellous of him to have done that.”

Mike, who also runs The King’s Head pub in the village, said: “The whole village was cut off for a while, but hopefully now the problems with the water are behind us.

“The Environment Agency needs to think about diverting the brook in Cannington and I know they’re looking into it.”